Meaning & Origins

Biblical name, meaning ‘God has given’, composed of the same elements as those of Matthew, but in reverse order. This is the name of several characters in the Bible, most notably a son of King Saul, who was a devoted friend and supporter of the young David, even when David and Saul were themselves at loggerheads (1 Samuel 31; 2 Samuel 1:19–26). The name is often taken as symbolic of steadfast friendship and loyalty. Well-known bearers of the name include the Irish clergyman and writer Jonathan Swift (1667-1745), British theatre director Jonathan Miller (b. 1934), British actor Jonathan Pryce (b. 1947), and British television presenter Jonathan Ross (b. 1960).